Every child deserves a healthy start in life, and that begins with proper nutrition. The foods children eat in their earliest years play a huge role in how they grow, learn, and stay healthy. From brain development to strong bones and immune support, good nutrition sets the foundation for lifelong wellness.
But for many families, putting healthy meals on the table isn’t always easy. Rising food costs, lack of access to care, and busy schedules often make it difficult to find the right support. That’s where the WIC program comes in, providing essential nutrition and healthcare resources to families who need them most. With a simple referral, parents can connect to services that ease the burden and build a stronger future for their children.
At CMCFresno, we’re here to help you get started. Our care team guides families through WIC referrals and other resources or medical assistance programs, making sure your child gets the healthiest start possible.
Fortify Your Child’s Early Years
What Is the WIC Program and Who Qualifies?
If you’re looking for extra support to keep your child healthy and growing strong, the WIC program is a great place to start. WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children, and it’s a federally funded program designed to help families get access to the nutrition and care they need during some of the most important stages of life.
WIC serves:
- Pregnant women
- New mothers (up to six months postpartum)
- Breastfeeding mothers (up to one year postpartum)
- Infants and children up to their fifth birthday
To apply for the WIC program in California, you’ll need to meet a few simple requirements:
- You must live in the state of California.
- Your household must meet the income guidelines, which vary depending on family size.
- A nutritional need must be identified, which is typically determined by a health professional during your WIC appointment.
Every day, CMCFresno helps families navigate WIC and other valuable healthcare programs. If you think you might qualify, or you’re just unsure where to begin, we’re here to help you find your way.
Why WIC Referrals Matter
WIC referrals help families get connected to essential nutrition and healthcare services with less hassle. A referral is a formal recommendation from a healthcare provider, like a pediatrician or clinic staff, that supports your WIC application and makes the process easier.
At CMCFresno, we offer referrals during checkups and visits, so families may access WIC support as soon as they can.
Here’s how WIC referrals help families thrive:
- Speeding up enrollment so families get support sooner
- Guiding parents through available WIC programs and benefits
- Connecting families to food, healthcare, and other essentials faster
- Building confidence to navigate WIC and related services
With a referral from someone who knows your child’s needs, you can move forward with confidence and get connected to the care your family deserves.
How WIC Supports Both Nutrition and Healthcare Access
WIC does more than provide food. It helps families build a foundation for lifelong health. By combining nutrition support with access to medical treatment, WIC makes it easier to meet your child’s needs from one place.
Nutrition Support
WIC ensures that growing children and their parents get the right fuel and guidance to thrive. Here’s what the program can provide to support your family’s nutrition:
- Monthly food packages tailored to your child’s age and nutritional needs.
- Nutrition education to support healthy eating habits at home.
- Breastfeeding assistance from trained counselors and peer supporters.
Healthcare Access
WIC also connects families to vital health services that many might not realize they need or qualify for. These services include:
- Encouragement for routine wellness check-ups to monitor growth and development.
- Immunization tracking to keep your child protected against preventable diseases.
- Referrals to pediatric, dental, or mental health care when additional support is needed.
Additionally, the WIC program for pregnant women ensures these services begin as early as possible in your parenting journey.
The Role of CMCFresno in WIC Referrals
As a trusted pediatric clinic, we go beyond providing care and help families access important programs like WIC. During every visit, our team looks out for signs that a child or parent may benefit from extra support, including sharing clear and helpful WIC information when it’s needed most.
Our providers are trained to recognize nutrition needs and guide eligible families through the WIC referral process with care and understanding.
Here’s how we can support you and your little one:
- Our multilingual staff helps families communicate clearly and feel comfortable throughout their visit.
- We take a culturally sensitive approach, making sure each family feels respected and understood.
- We provide families with access to comprehensive services, including wellness checkups, immunizations, and behavioral health support.
We’re here to make sure no family feels alone when navigating care or support services. At CMCFresno, your family’s health is always our priority.
A Healthier Tomorrow Starts Today

A healthier tomorrow starts with the right support today, and the WIC program is one of the most powerful support systems a family can have from day one. From nutrition education to healthcare referrals, early access to programs like WIC can shape a child’s well-being for years to come. When families feel supported, children thrive, and entire communities grow stronger.
Having a reliable care team makes a world of difference for families. Our team at CMCFresno is here to walk alongside you, offering expert pediatric care and helping you tap into the resources that matter most. Whether you’re exploring WIC benefits or scheduling your child’s next checkup, support is just a call or click away. Let’s take the next step toward a healthier future together.
Discover the Support Your Family Deserves
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for WIC?
No, you don’t. Many immigrant families qualify for WIC, even without U.S. citizenship. What matters most is meeting the income and residency requirements.
- How does a WIC referral improve my chances of getting approved?
A referral helps show that you or your child may benefit from nutritional support. It adds helpful documentation, especially if you’re applying for the first time.
- Can dads or other caregivers apply for WIC on behalf of a child?
Absolutely. Dads, grandparents, foster parents, and other guardians can apply for WIC if they care for a child under age five.
- How often do I need to renew or reapply for WIC?
WIC benefits typically last for a set period (like six months to a year), and families can renew if they still qualify. Your local WIC office will guide you through it.